SONS OF VETERANS RESERVE

On July 29, 1997, David V. Medert became the fifth Brother(*) to hold the rank of Brigadier General in the Sons of Veterans Reserve (SVR) and is now the new Commanding Officer.

The military is nothing new to Brigadier General Medert. He retired from the U.S. Navy in 1993 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer with over 23 years service in the field of Naval Intelligence and Cryptology. His assignments included various surface combatants, aircraft, submarines, state side, and overseas commands. His last command was at Naval Headquarters in Washington D.C. where he served as a community manger for over 4,000 sailors.

His involvement with the Civil War began in 1957 when he watched his father, SUVCW PCinC David R. Medert build his first of six cannons. From that day on he was hooked. He participated in many reenactments during the late 50's and early 60's.

He joined the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) in June of 1988, belonging to Gov. William Dennison #125, Department of Ohio. Upon his retirement, he served as Secretary/Treasurer of the camp and in 1996, he formed the Sgt. Richard Enderlin Camp #73, where he is currently serving as the Camp Commander.

His involvement with the SVR also began in 1993 when he joined Battery I, 1st Ohio Light Artillery (OLA). In the fall of the same year, he was appointed as the Battery's Commander and during the summer of 1997, was re-elected to serve another three years.

Since his retirement from active military service, Brigadier General Medert has served as Commander of Battery I, 1st OLA, 3rd Military District Public Information Officer, National Public Information Officer, Assistant to the Adjutant General, Adjutant General, and now Commanding Officer, SVR.

His involvement with the SUVCW includes, Secretary/Treasurer Camp #125 Department of Ohio, Commander Camp #73 Department of Ohio, two years on the National Legislation Committee, and is now the Department of Ohio Jr. Vice Commander. He has helped form two SUVCW camps in Ohio and five new SVR units throughout the U.S.

Brigadier General Medert's goals are enhance communications within the SVR and to increase it's membership, both in members and units. According to Brigadier General Medert, "In order for the organization to grow, we must ALL feel we are part of it. The best way to do this is to communicate both up and down the chain of command. If any member of the SVR has a suggestion on how we can improve, We would like to hear from them. The SVR is open to suggestions for improvement. We have an energetic staff in place at the National Headquarters and we intend on improving on that staff. We all want to see the SVR grow. In order to do that, we must all become active in recruiting and promote the SVR."

* Other SUVCW Brothers who have held the SVR rank of Brigadier General and have had the honor to serve as the Commanding Officer of the SVR before Brigadier General Medert include: PCinC Keith G. Harrison,, PCinC Charles Corfman, PCinC Richard Schlenker, and PCinC Chester S. Shriver.

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